Is Colombia Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Colombia offers a rich cultural experience with its vibrant cities, charming towns, and beautiful landscapes. However, safety can vary greatly depending on the region. While it's not uncommon for solo female travelers to journey safely through Colombia, it's important to be cautious. Certain areas in large cities are not advisable to visit, especially at night. Also, common issues like pickpocketing and theft can occur. Always stay alert and aware of your surroundings, avoid displaying flashy valuables, and use trusted transportation. Don't hesitate to ask locals about the safety of certain areas.

Safety rating

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How safe is Colombia?

Safety at night:

Safety at night:Unsafe

While many parts of Colombia are generally safe to travel, it may not be highly recommended to walk alone at night, especially in unfamiliar or unlit areas. Crime rates can be higher after dark and it is not uncommon for foreign travelers to be targeted. Always stay vigilant and use trusted transportation means such as ordering a taxi through a reliable app or using an official taxi from a reputable company. Make sure to inform someone of your whereabouts whenever you venture out at night. Needless to say, it's advisable to avoid isolated areas or quiet streets. Being on the safe side, sticking to well-populated and brightly lit areas is advisable.
Public transportation:

Public transportation:Moderate

Public transportation in Colombia like buses and taxis is relatively safe but certain precautions should be observed. It's common practice to call a taxi rather than hailing one. Buses are often crowded and are more commonly frequented by pickpockets, especially in larger cities like Bogota and Medellin. Quality varies depending on the region. Be extra careful at night and avoid unnecessary travel when it's dark. Like in any location, vigilance and awareness can greatly enhance safety.
Street harassment:

Street harassment:Moderate

While Colombia is known for its warmth and sociability, it does have instances of street harassment, especially in larger cities and busy areas. These may manifest as catcalls, lewd comments, or nonviolent but undesirable attention. However, the frequency and intensity of such incidents can be influenced by factors such as time of day, your location, and how well you blend into the local culture. As a female traveler, it is advisable to be cautious, avoid displaying valuable possessions, and use trusted transportation services.
Petty crimes:

Petty crimes:Moderate

Colombia is an amazing country to explore, but it has its share of petty crimes, such as pickpocketing, bag snatching, and minor scams, especially in crowded and touristy areas. Situational awareness and precautionary measures like not flashing expensive items, using safe transportation options, and avoiding isolated areas can significantly reduce the risk.

Is Colombia worth visiting?

Overall rating

4.6 /5

based on 87 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

4.7/5

Safety

4.3/5

Food

4.6/5

Budget-friendly

3.9/5
Nava

Nava

Canada

Cali, Solo travel

I was volunteering in the mountains near Cali and on my days off, booked the hostel Patio del Rio and had such an amazing time. The employees there Andres and Thomas were so warm and welcoming and showed me around the city, I met tons of lovely people and even baked a banana bread for everyone in the hostel! I would reccomend going out at night with locals, or at the very least go with large groups of people. Safety in numbers.

Posted: April 16, 2025
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Tulua, Solo travel

Tulua is generally not safe for female tourists traveling alone I would say. I luckily was able to stay with some family, and they didn't let me go anywhere alone hahaha, so I was being "protected". I definitely think moving around with a local is important. The town was really nice generally, loved the fruit and the churches, but maybe not so much the markets with alive animals. Colombia has safer/nicer places to visit, but if you really want to go to Tulua, I don't think you would be disappointed if you got someone to travel with you :)

Posted: April 11, 2025Experienced: May, 2024
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Mayeliz

Mayeliz

Argentina

Colombia, Couple travel

Hello girls! I am traveling with my partner through Colombia, we went to Bogotá, I didn't like it, it's very cold and it rains a lot. Then we went to Medellín, I loved the weather and the city, it reminded me of Caracas; when we went to Plaza de Botero the art was beautiful but not the surroundings, I almost cried seeing the reality of that city. From there we went to Cartagena, to explore the Caribbean coasts. Barú is very beautiful and the water was as I remembered, warm, the downside is the lack of maritime control, the boats and jet skis do not respect the designated swimming area, so you have to be vigilant and this reduces the tranquility of the place. Then we went to Minca, in the Sierra Nevada. Excellent place if you are traveling alone, there is a lot of security and the mountain is beautiful, you can find everything and the hostels are very nice, although it's hot and there are a lot of mosquitoes, so go with plenty of repellent. Now we are in Taganga, this is the last place to visit on the Colombian Caribbean coasts for this trip.

Posted: March 26, 2025Experienced: February, 2025
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Bogotá, Solo travel

- I was with locals so I was feeling safe. - The food is really good. - I took a cab or I was walking so I didn’t experienced the public’s transport. - People are nice. - At this time some museums were closed… - Really good for shopping I think.

Posted: March 11, 2025
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Colombia, Solo travel

I loved my solo trip to Colombia and felt very safe. At first I had a lot of thoughts about travelling to Colombia by myself especially as a foreign woman but I experienced so much hospitality and kindness and felt very safe overall. I loved the coast and its beaches and the city of Medellin. The food is amazing and everything is really affordable. I spend a month in Colombia, primarily travelling by bus. Busses in Colombia are cheap and the best way to get around. The people are the nicest I’ve ever met and just life their lives with such a joy and happiness that it will be hard for someone to leave this place after experiencing it once. I’m looking forward to going back to Colombia soon :)

Posted: February 18, 2025
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Palomino, Couple travel

In Palomino there is always something to do. It is a very quiet place and you can feel totally safe. Its sea has a lot of waves for this time but it is super delicious, the weather helps a lot with this.

Posted: January 22, 2025Experienced: March, 2024
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Cartagena, Group travel

Cartagena is a very touristic city, and as in any place, you should be careful with your belongings. I wouldn't recommend walking alone at night in areas that are not very crowded. It is a well-known destination both nationally and internationally, so I would recommend booking in advance to ensure the best rates and availability for the activities you want to do.

Posted: January 17, 2025Experienced: January, 2024
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Santa Marta, Solo travel

I loved going to Santa Marta, I felt very safe, I stayed at the República Hostel and met many, many solo travelers! It was the best experience of my life. It's a very affordable place and the views are beautiful, the transportation is safe and fast, everything is close by, and the food is delicious.

Posted: December 30, 2024
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Maira

Maira

Germany

Minca, Solo travel

I stayed at a friends home and in a female dorm (4 people) for 13 € a night, delicious breakfast included, humming birds greeting you in the morning. With a Pool. 5 min for 1€ with the motorbike down to the village, also possible 30 min by walk. View to the djungle. Coffee and Cocoa tours and small waterfalls. Lovely Hippie village !

Posted: October 4, 2024
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Medellín, Family travel

Had a beautiful time in Medellin! Mind you if you’re coming from the states, $1 is about $4000 colombian pesos so money does go far! Stayed in a Marriott hotel in Sabaneta. So many different things to do, enjoyed my special bonding time with my little family. Definitely recommend!

Posted: September 30, 2024Experienced: August, 2024
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Is Colombia safe for women?

Safety index

3.2 /5

Based on 61 local experiences

Crime index

3.2 /5

Based on 61 local experiences

Bogotá

To sum up, girls: not everywhere, not at any time, not with anyone. Be very strategic about where you're going to be, who you're going to be with, and how late you're going to be there... Love y'all, be safe.

Posted: April 25, 2025
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Nathalia

Nathalia

Bogotá

Walk the areas that are turistics and crowded. If you are not sure, ask in your hostel if its save to go there alone. If you are with a local, they will guide you better. Better to take an uber in the city

Posted: April 23, 2025
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Meet locals in Colombia

Ketty

Ketty

About Me

Holaa, soy Ketty, vivo en el valle del cauca en Colombia. Me encanta viajar sola, aun estoy empezando a hacerlo, si necesitas ayuda o alguien que te muestre la zona escribeme.

Speaking

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Max

Max

About Me

I'm a Colombian writer who loves travel

Speaking

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Stay with locals in Colombia

Jannin

Jannin

Medellín

Can host for:

5 days

About me

Hey, I'm Jannín. I study journalism and love reading, writing and traveling. I hope this app help us for enyoing in a different and safe way all this experiences

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Oriana

Oriana

Barranquilla

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Im a passionate person that loves traveling and getting to know new cultures. Im from Barranquilla, Colombia and I’ve lived in Mexico and Brazil, I’ve visited Dominican Republic and Curaçao. I’m currently in Rio de Janeiro. This summer will be my first time in Europe. I’ll be going to London, Paris, Berlin and Barcelona :)

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Colombia

Emily

Emily

About Me

I'm a student living in Birmingham England, but I love to travel whenever I can! I love yoga and calisthenics style stuff like climbing and pole dancing... I'm obsessed with food, and addicted to cheese... I'm super adventurous and love learning new things. The next trip I have planned is a 3 month adventure packed trip around south America, where I hope to learn to surf 😁😁😁

Speaking

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Emily

Emily

About Me

I'm a student living in Birmingham England, but I love to travel whenever I can! I love yoga and calisthenics style stuff like climbing and pole dancing... I'm obsessed with food, and addicted to cheese... I'm super adventurous and love learning new things. The next trip I have planned is a 3 month adventure packed trip around south America, where I hope to learn to surf 😁😁😁

Speaking

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Safety in Colombia